SUMMARY

Nestled between France and Spain in the heart of the Pyrenees Mountains, landlocked Andorra is one of the smallest European states. A tax haven and popular destination for winter sports, Andorra’s 10 million annual tourists account for 80% of the GDP, and they vastly outnumber the resident population of 87,000. Roughly one quarter of the residents are native born, with the remainder being foreigners; the largest group is from Spain. Eighty-eight percent live in cities. Self governed for over 700 years despite nominal rule from their neighbors originating in the Middle Ages (with limited powers continuing today), Andorra has had its own constitution since 1993 as well as its own judiciary and foreign policy. That same year marked the official beginning of freedom of religion.

Though not a member of the European Union, it is surrounded by countries that are and holds a special relationship with them, being treated as a member for trade in manufactured goods. With roots as a smuggler’s refuge, Andorra is held tightly in the grip of materialism, partly due to its tax haven status. This status is changing, as economic hardships are forcing Andorra to adopt stricter economic policies and to start taxing foreign investments.

The Andorran people have the sixth highest life expectancy in the world, but their spiritual life might not be faring as well. Drug and alcohol addiction are common, broken families are widespread, and suicide rates are high, giving a sad, dark twist to the high life expectancy. The Catholic Church remains the official church, and 90% are affiliated with it, but many consult mediums and seers for guidance rather than Catholic priests, often at a high financial cost. Though it is a traditional part of the culture, Catholicism has lost its appeal for many. Expatriate believers outnumber the few indigenous Andorran believers. Biblical Christianity struggles to retain a foothold due to occult influence.